Information
District-Approved Apps & Student Data Privacy
Kiski Area School District is committed to protecting student and staff information. Before an application is used for instruction, we review it to ensure it supports learning while meeting privacy, security, and accessibility expectations.
- Share the district-approved apps and websites used for teaching and learning.
- Explain why app vetting matters and what we look for.
- Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations.
Why App Vetting Matters
Today’s classrooms use many digital tools to support learning. While these tools can be powerful, not all applications handle student information responsibly. Without a review process, student data could be shared in ways families do not expect.
Our review process ensures that applications:
- Protect student privacy and limit data collection
- Meet security standards to safeguard information
- Comply with federal and state laws such as FERPA and COPPA
- Provide meaningful instructional value
This process allows Kiski Area School District to balance innovation in the classroom with responsible data protection practices.
How apps are approved
- Instructional fit: Is the tool appropriate for grade level and curriculum?
- Privacy & data use: What information is collected? Is it shared or sold? Is a district agreement required?
- Security: Does the vendor use reasonable safeguards (encryption, access controls, incident response)?
- Accessibility: Can all students access it (ADA/WCAG considerations)?
- Support & sustainability: Cost, training needs, and long-term viability.
Note: Approval means the district has reviewed the tool for instructional use and risk. It does not guarantee that every feature is appropriate for every classroom use case.
What student data may be shared
Many learning applications require limited information to create accounts and provide educational services. When needed, we aim to share the minimum information necessary, such as:
- Student name
- District email/username
- Grade level / school
- Class/teacher assignment (when required for rostering)
- Sell or market directly to students using their data
- Collect unnecessary sensitive information for learning
- Lack reasonable security practices
View the District-Approved Apps List
This list includes applications and websites approved for instructional use. If a tool is not on this list, it should not be used with students until it has been reviewed.